JaneAustenAddict

Just wondering what the concensus is on adding salt to a freshwater aquarium? I never used it in the past, but noticed it in the pet store the other day and now I am wondering if I *should* be using it?

http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2754001

iloveengl

There's a definite divide on this topic, even on our forum. Those who don't use it, say it's an outdated method that really just stimulates slime coat and doesn't do much good. Others swear by the use of it as an aid to fish recovery and immune system boost.

It's very important to know that some fish and inverts do not tolerate any level of salt in their water, while others can acclimate just fine.

I personally do not use it. Even in my brackish aquarium, I use marine salt.

callichma

I put aquarium salt in my tank when I first started. My cories acted very strangely. They swam frantically for 2 days nonstop like they were trying to get away from something. Then I read something on this forum about salt not being tolerated by cories. I did frequent water changes and got the salt out. The cories calmed down. So I'm not a fan of aquarium salt.

pepetj

I only use aquarium salt (the one for FW use) when doing medicated baths. As Ilovengl I use marine salt mix for my brackish tank.

Some experienced fishkeepers report benefits using it, but it depends on the fish. Koi seem to do best with low levels of salinity. Some people use aquarium salt with some species of Rainbowfish. I rather not use it but respect those who do.

Pepetj
Santo Domingo

aquarist48

Hello JaneAA. I used fresh water aquarium salt in my tanks 24/7 for many years. Since I've joined this site earlier in the year I've stopped using it. My fish are doing great without it. Some fish tolerate salt and others do not. Just as some members use it and some don't.

I asked my PetCo sales person why they have salt in all of their tanks. She mentioned due to the fact they have a large frequent turn over in their stock that it is good for them to have in their tanks to help cut down on disease. (?)

I personally do not recommend using salt in fresh water tanks.
Ken

Diggly

I use about 1 tsp per 5 gallons, and I havent noticed any real difference, alot of things I have read about it is what LED me to use it, it helps keep diseases at bay, lowers the toxicity of ammonia to prevent as much damage to fish during mini spikes etc if you were to get any.

I am a believer in prevention is better than cure so I use a small amount to help - it is possible that it does nothing but it certainly doesnt bother my bettas or any of my other fish.

namehater

i add it to a tank if i think my fish arent feeling well, but i only add half the recommended dosage.

Shawnie

definately its an owners preference as to use or not use...each person has to decide for themselves and their fin babies .....I used it years ago when thats all that was availble for different issues(torn fins, missing scales etc)....now id never use it as theres much more healthy/fish friendly ways to treat the things...salt does nothing but keep the fish overproducing their slime coat as its an irritant to them...of course it heals but it stresses as its healing(ever swam in the ocean waters when you have a cut anywhere on your body? owwwies)..why put a fish through that if its not needed? stress coat+, vita chem, and fish protector (ALL much more gentle for the fish) can do the same thing and I choose to never put my fish into salt again

EDIT: and please remember anyone who does choose to use salt..it NEVER disapaites and only water changes removes it...after time, salt will build up and you will have a brakish/SW tank without knowing it

Nate McFin

Another great post Shawnie!
To add salt may build the slime coat but it also creates stress.
Maybe if treating ICH (as it is known to not like salt)...otherwise no.There are better options these days.
I have yet to see anything convincing regarding disease prevention.

mathas

I've seen people say this, but I've never seen any concrete ideas on how having salt in the water would prevent disease, other than "because the pet store/salt package said so!". A dip in a salt bath can help with certain external parasites and fungal infections, but how would it inhibit disease transmission? And anyway, I believe the concentration needed for an effective dip is higher than the concentration most people use as a preventative measure, but I could be wrong on that point.

It's true benefit is countering nitrite toxicity, not ammonia.

As skepticalaquarist.com says:
I'd suggest anyone interested in the debate to do their own reading from a variety of sources, rather than rely solely on packaging or salespeople or even a single forum to form your opinion for you. The following two links might be good starting points, as they at least attempt to explain the why and how behind salt's myriad claims, rather than just repeating what they were told at a store:

http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/health/salt.shtml
http://aquascienceresearch.com/APInfo/Salt.htm

My personal opinion is that it's completely unnecessary in the vast majority of cases. If so many people can have lovely, thriving freshwater tanks without salt in the water, why bother adding it unless you have a specific reason? Tylenol is (usually) an effective cure for headaches, but no one suggests you take two Tylenol every six hours for the rest of your life just in case you might get a headache.

TedsTank

I just love these discussions!! lol
Good info on do's and don'ts

I have only used salt as a dip for individual fish in my tanks. Never in my South American setup.

Always add it every spring to my koi pond as a treatment/conditioner...but then with water changes and rain it gets rinsed out. I truly believe it helps in the pond situations as the fish are coming out of their sleep. I have had no fish loses since I started doing that. But, are they healther now? or does the salt help?? I think so, so i'll not stop to see if they get more healthier.

And adding a bit of salt depends on the fish you are keeping.

Research, research, research.....and don't stop looking when you get the answer you want!! I always weigh out all the coments from several sources.

JaneAustenAddict

Just want to thank everyone for all the replies. They are a great help!